A bandsaw moves a continuous toothed blade around wheels and through a work table. It is especially useful for cutting curves; with a suitable saw, blade, and setup, it can also resaw stock. For a first cut, match the blade to both the saw and the job, check the machine’s setup, and keep hands clear of the blade path.
What a bandsaw does
A bandsaw’s blade is a continuous steel strip with teeth that runs around pulleys and passes through the table. The moving blade makes it useful for contour cutting. Resawing—cutting a board into thinner pieces—is also possible, but depends on the saw’s capacity and the blade and setup selected. OSHA describes the machine and its common contour-cutting use in its bandsaw guidance.
Choose a blade that fits the saw and the cut
Start with the owner’s manual, not a general-purpose blade chart. Confirm the blade length and the range of widths the specific saw accepts. Then choose a sharp blade whose width, tooth pitch, and tooth form suit the operation. OSHA advises using an appropriate blade size and type and warns against forcing a wide blade around a small radius; CCOHS likewise recommends matching blade characteristics to the job (OSHA; CCOHS).
- Curves: A narrower blade generally turns more tightly. Make relief cuts when needed rather than twisting or forcing the blade through a curve.
- Straight cuts and resawing: Choose a blade suited to the operation and adequately supported by the machine. The saw’s capacity and setup determine what is practical.
- Compatibility first: Verify blade length, acceptable width, and tensioning procedure in the manual. Blade recommendations for one model are not universal specifications.
Replace a dull or damaged blade with one compatible with the saw and intended cut. A blade unsuitable for the curve or operation can make control difficult.
#1 Best Overall
- SET INCLUDES: (1) 93-1/2-Inch by 1/2-Inch by 6TPI Wood Bandsaw Blade, (1) 93-1/2-Inch by 1/8-Inch by 14-TPI Scroll Cutting Stationary BandSaw Blade, (1) 93-1/2 Inch by 1/4 Inch by 6TPI Wood Bandsaw Blade
- FUNCTION: This bandsaw blades set is perfect for re-sawing, rip cut, cross cut, curve cut and producing tight curves on hard and soft woods, plastic or plus non-ferrous metals
- DESIGN: A precision cutting tool is constructed with an optimal geometric tooth arrangement that provides seamless cutting results at high performance speeds
- HIGH QUALITY BUILD: Made with premium high grade carbon steel for long-term durability and features unique welding for heat resistance and maximal performance
- COMPATIBILITY: 93.5” band saw metal blade length will fit wood cutting band saws designed for 93.5” blades. Please confirm your bandsaw blade size before ordering.
Check the saw before switching it on
Use the model’s manual for blade installation, tension, tracking, and guide adjustments; these settings are machine-specific. Before each use, check the following:
- The saw is stable, guards are fitted, and wheel enclosures are closed.
- The blade and wheels are in good condition, and the teeth face the direction of travel.
- The blade tracks correctly and has the tension specified for that blade and saw.
- Upper and lower guides are adjusted as directed, and the guide post is lowered so as little blade as practical is exposed above the work.
CCOHS gives a general guard clearance of about 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4 inch) above the work. This is guidance, not a universal setting: follow the saw manual and adjust for the task. OSHA also recommends guarding the blade except at the point of operation and adjusting the guide post (CCOHS; OSHA).
Rank #2
- High speed steel teeth provide a strong, long lasting cutting edge
- Shatter Resistant
- Bi-metal blades bend and resist breaking and extend blade life
- Long Lasting
- Tuff Tooth design reinforces tooth for longer blade life
Make the first cut with controlled feeding
- Prepare yourself and the work area. Wear safety glasses or goggles and suitable hearing protection. Tie back long hair, remove jewelry, and wear fitted clothing. Keep the table and work area clear.
- Support and mark the stock. Keep the workpiece flat and stable on the table. Plan the cut so your hands stay away from the blade line. Use a push stick or suitable fixture for small pieces or whenever your hands would otherwise be close to the blade.
- Start the saw and wait for speed. Keep hands clear while the machine starts and let it reach operating speed before feeding.
- Feed steadily. Guide the stock through the blade without excessive force. For intricate curves, use relief cuts as needed rather than forcing a turn.
- Respond safely to a bind. If the stock binds, do not pull it backward while the blade is moving. Switch off the saw and wait for the blade to stop before removing or repositioning the work.
These precautions reflect the recommendations from CCOHS and OSHA.
Keep hands and debris away from the moving blade
- Keep guards and wheel enclosures in place and the guide close to the work.
- Do not reach across the blade path, force stock, or clear cuttings by hand.
- Wait until the blade has completely stopped before retrieving material or clearing debris. Use a brush or stick for debris after stopping the machine.
- For maintenance or repairs, follow shop rules and machine-specific training; use lockout procedures where required.
For small stock, select a push stick or fixture that controls the workpiece for the particular operation. The aid should help keep hands away from the blade without compromising stable support.
Rank #3
- FOXBC 35-3/8 Inch long, 1/2 Inch wide, 0.020 Inch thick, 10/14 TPI Portable bandsaw blades
- Compatible with for Milwaukee 2829-20 Compact Portable Band Saw
- Bandsaw blades made from premium, Bi-Metal M42 High Speed Steel with heat resistance and weld
- Teeth specs: 10/14 TPI blade has a hook teeth profile
- 35-3/8" x 1/2" x .020", 10/14 TPI Package: 3 Pack Portable bandsaw blades
Use the manual for model-specific decisions
Blade dimensions, tension, tracking, guide settings, and cutting capacity vary by saw. Treat the manual as the authority for those specifications and for adjustment procedures. General safety guidance cannot establish whether a particular machine can perform a particular resaw or cut safely.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- More Cuts. Less Blade Changes.
- 3X Life in Stainless Steel and other extreme metals.
- 2X Faster in Thin Metals
- 25% More Cuts Per Charge
- Optimized Tooth Design for clean cuts
Rank #4
- Matrix II high speed steel edge of the band saw blade is designed for heat and wear resistance
- 8% Cobalt Content For Added Durability & Wear
- Rc 65-67 Tooth Hardness For Increased Wear Resistance
- Alloy Steel Backer for Fatigue Resistance
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